Local Manufacturing Key To Advancing Green Technologies – Africa.com
The African continent is developing promising green technologies to address energy access gaps and boost economic growth. Their countries should play an active role in local sustainable energy solutions and not just be consumers of these technologies.
During a panel session at Africa Energy Week: Investing in African Energy 2024, panellists highlighted the need for countries already producing oil and gas to tap into local energy resources to add value and meet domestic demand, particularly for remote and rural areas No access to energy on the grid. They agreed that green technology and innovation cannot be advanced without significant investment in local capacity, particularly in manufacturing and grid infrastructure.
Moderated by Ashutosh Singh, S&P Global Head of Energy Transition (panelist) Advancing green technology and innovation in Africa The meeting further agreed that while renewable energy may not create large-scale jobs immediately, strategic planning by policymakers could lead to millions of new opportunities as the industry grows.
Comet Energy CEO James White stressed that there are also legislative barriers in many African countries. For example, in South Africa, large solar installations connected to the grid require a generation license from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). White believes this adds additional complexity and could deter potential investors or developers from pursuing solar projects.
He noted that although recent policy revisions raised the threshold for unlicensed embedded generation projects to 100 MW, compliance with these regulations still poses significant challenges. “We also need to look at developing local supply chains, which will require further cost reductions and increased access to technology,” he said.
Dennis Bauer, senior executive energy transition advisor at Neuman & Esser, discusses hydrogen’s potential as a key to Africa’s energy transition.
Blocks in Morocco, Egypt and South Africa could produce more than 50 million tonnes of cost-competitive green hydrogen per year on the continent by 2035. However, Ball stressed that localized supply chains are necessary to support these developments. “Developing local manufacturing capabilities for battery components and other technologies can significantly reduce costs and enhance sustainability,” he said.
The panel discussion also touched on advances in solar technology, noting that increased efficiency and flexibility could facilitate deployment in remote areas.
Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe, CEO of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), stressed the importance of learning from successful models of new green technologies, such as Chinese investment in research and development (R&D).
“We need to establish centers of competence across Africa focused on R&D, manufacturing and skills development to make the continent a leader in green technology. As African countries commit to investing in green innovation, collaboration between governments, businesses and communities is essential It’s important,” he said.
Africa has the potential to lead in green technologies, concluded Dr. Said Nachet, Director of International Relations at IFP Energies nouvelle (IFPEN). “By harnessing local resources and promoting innovation, the continent can become a hub for green technology and sustainable energy solutions,” he said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the African Energy Chamber.
